Patriots cut former NFL MVP Cam Newton and name Mac Jones as starter

• Quarterbacks had been competing during preseason
• Pats missed playoffs for first time since 2008 last season

The New England Patriots have cut former Cam Newton and named rookie Mac Jones as their starting quarterback, according to multiple reports. The news came as somewhat of a surprise after Patriots coach Bill Belichick said earlier on Tuesday that Newton was going in the right direction" during preseason and training camp.

Newton, who was named NFL MVP in 2016, and Jones had been competing for the starting spot during preseason. Newton was the Patriots' primary starter last season, but his campaign was hampered by a lack of quality receivers and a bout of Covid-19, and the Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008.